At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson spoke about the need for greater protections for Michigan’s election officials before the 2024 election. In an interview with the Michigan Advance, she reflected on recent changes to Michigan’s election laws and shared her concerns for the upcoming election.
Big Changes in Michigan’s Election System
Since 2018, Michigan has made several significant updates to its election system. These include same-day voter registration, no-reason absentee voting, and nine days of early voting. Benson highlighted the modernization of registration laws as the most impactful change, making it easier and more accurate for people to register to vote.
“When I took office, you had to register 30 days in advance. Now, you can register up to and on Election Day itself, and it’s easier to get on the rolls,” Benson explained. “We now have pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, and automatic voter registration has greatly improved the accuracy of our voter rolls.”
More Ways to Vote
Benson also talked about the expansion of voting options in Michigan. Now, with early voting and no-reason absentee voting, voter turnout has increased, and election administration has improved. “We’re now leading the nation in turnout and election administration,” Benson said, crediting Michigan citizens for these advancements.
Protecting Democracy and Poll Workers
Looking ahead, Benson expressed worries about potential voter disengagement due to misinformation and chaos. She emphasized the importance of voters staying informed and participating in the democratic process. Additionally, while new laws have been enacted to protect election officials, Benson called for more protections to ensure their safety.
“We’ve seen new laws that help protect election officials, but I worry about potential disruptions, especially in Detroit. More protections are crucial for everyone to feel safe doing their jobs,” she said.
Tackling Election Interference and Intimidation
Benson has been working with lawmakers to ban the open carry of firearms at polling places and around absentee voting drop boxes, a measure that has passed in the House and Senate. She stressed the need to protect voters from intimidation and clearly define unacceptable behavior at polling places.
Alongside Attorney General Dana Nessel, Benson is also working on policies to reduce election interference and strengthen penalties for those attempting to interfere with election results.
Fighting Misinformation
Benson highlighted efforts to combat election misinformation, particularly ensuring voters know that only U.S. citizens can vote and that voter rolls are accurate. “Transparency is our friend, and we’re committed to ensuring only valid votes count,” she said.
Encouraging Civic Engagement
Benson encouraged citizens to get involved in protecting democracy by becoming informed about voting, volunteering as poll workers, and participating in the electoral process. She emphasized the power individuals have to shape the future of their communities and the nation.
Future Pxlans
When asked about her future political aspirations, including a potential run for governor in 2026, Benson said her current focus is on the 2024 election. She plans to decide on her next steps after the election.
Conclusion
As Michigan prepares for the 2024 election, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is advocating for greater protections for election officials, expanded voting options, and continued efforts to combat misinformation and election interference. Her focus remains on ensuring a safe and transparent election process, encouraging voter participation, and safeguarding democracy.